I’m Kristel — visual artist, November child, daydreamer…
Together with my husband and our border collie Maxie, I live in the north of Antwerp, near the peaceful Kalmthoutse Heide — a place where silence and nature whisper their countless stories.
My work unfolds slowly. Layer by layer. In oil paint or coloured pencil, sometimes adorned with pearls, shells or bits of jewelry — like quiet echoes of forgotten times. I work figuratively: people, landscapes, cityscapes, still lifes… always with a touch of the dreamlike, as if the image has just stepped out of a story.
I paint in the classical tradition of the old masters, but with a contemporary soul.
My drawings are made with delicate, translucent veils of colour, built up slowly on fine-textured paper — chosen carefully for just the right feel.
I’m fascinated by the past — its decorum, its slowness, its elegance. That sense of time lives in my work. It also shows up in the fantasy figures I sculpt by hand: fragile and authentic creatures that embody both innocence and sensuality, girlhood and womanhood.
My work is deeply personal. Layered, intuitive, and softly narrative.
It speaks in quiet tones — to those who take the time to listen.
Welcome to my world.
For questions or inquiries, you are always welcome to contact me. I’d be happy to hear from you.
Biography :
Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten (Sint-Lucas, 2950 Kapellen)
- 1995-1997 en 2003-2004 : Middelbare Graad Drawing and Painting
- 2004-2010 : Hogere Graad Drawing, Modeldrawing and -painting
- 2010-2016 : Hogere Graad Painting, Oilpainting
- 2017-2022 : Hogere Graad Klassiek Atelier, Drawing and painting
- 2022-2025 : Hogere Graad Mixed Media
Exhibitions :
- ‘Empower Her Art’ Grand Egyptian Museum Gizeh from 16th til 20th of May 2025, with more than 200 artists from 35 countries.
- ‘Vrouwenpower‘, international exhibition in New Jorg Gallery, Spreeuwstraat 6, 2920 Kalmthout from April 30 til May 14, 2023
- Exhibition ‘Proverbs and Sayings’ built around the painting of the famous Flemish Master Pieter Brueghel, organised by Fedos, Zaterdagplein 6, 1000 Brussel, from December 6th 2019 til February 21st, 2020.
- Finalist of the contest ‘Artist in the Spotlight’ organised by the city of Kapellen and as a result of that an exhibition in the Town Hall Administratief Centrum, Antwerpsesteenweg 130 te 2950 Kapellen from August 1 til September 28, 2018.
- Exhibition Novelarte, Zuiderpershuis, Antwerpen from 25th til 27th of May, 2018.
- Exhibition Novelarte, Oud Havenhuis, Entrepotkaai 1, ‘t Eilandje, Antwerpen from September 7 til September 17 and from May 12 til May 28, 2017.
- Solo exhibition in the St. Jozefskapel, Augustijnslei 76 te 2930 Brasschaat from October 21 til 23, 2016.
- Finalist of the contest ‘Artist in the Spotlight’ organised by the city of Kapellen and as a result of that an exhibition in the Town Hall Administratief Centrum, Antwerpsesteenweg 130 te 2950 Kapellen from September 11 til November 15, 2015.
- Solo exhibition ‘An Elusive Dream’ in gallery ’t Kallement, Kruizemunt 15, 2160 Wommelgem, from May 26 til June 30, 2014.
- Double exhibition with Erwin Luyten in the St. Jozefskapel, Augustijnslei 76 te 2930 Brasschaat from February 4 til 6, 2011.
- Group exhibition of the Graduates of Sint-Lucas Model drawing in het Oud-Gemeentehuis, Antwerpsesteenweg 2 te 2950 Kapellen May 29 and 30 and June 4 til 6, 2010.
TV interview (in Dutch):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhh30atKwOQ